Hello, and thank you for taking your time to learn more about me! My name is Shawna, I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Mississippi. I have over 12 years’ experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including: in homes, providing residential level of care therapy services, schools, youth court systems throughout the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, outpatient services, as well as a Child Advocacy Center. Although that seems like a mouthful, it simply means that I have had experience working in a several different settings, with a broad range of clinical issues. I believe the best way to truly understand what someone is going through is to understand where they come from, let them be the expert on themselves and provide the services they need to help them succeed. I have the most experience working with stress reduction, anxiety, depression, anger management, family conflict, parenting skills, relationship conflict, and complex trauma/abuse. I also have experience with a wide variety of mental health disorders. My dedication to the field of mental health stems from years of working with children, adolescents and their families, in state custody; along with watching friends and family members struggle with mental illness. I have seen firsthand that having mental health concerns can be difficult and cause feelings of despair and isolation; not to mention the process for getting help can be overwhelming. However, I also know from experience how much life can change for the better when you find the right support and take steps towards taking care of yourself! I use a person-centered, holistic, and eclectic approach in treatment, meaning I begin where you are and tailor my treatment approach to your needs while being sensitive to how your personal thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I primarily use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. However, I do incorporate more "classical" approaches to counseling as well. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, but I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. I am very creative and do not like to conform our sessions into something that will place a box around it. I want it to go where it needs to go for you to get what you need to feel empowered and in control. Remember, no one is a magician. No one can "fix" your situation. It will take time and hard work on your part to make the changes you want. If you're willing to put in the work, I'm willing to walk alongside you and work as well! Together we can work on establishing goals and steps for you to understand the problem and gain the confidence to move forward and feel more in control of your life. Throughout my years of practice I’ve found a recurrent theme: the need to be heard, to be validated, and to know you are not alone!

I am a Doctor of Behavioral Health, as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my doctorate degree from Arizona State University. I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Louisiana State University. I have been rendering professional counseling services throughout the state of Louisiana for the last for 15 years. My work experience includes a variety of clinical backgrounds, such as child protection, grief therapy, medical social work, school social work, inpatient psychiatric social work, individual, family & group psychotherapy as well as serving as the clinical director of an outpatient behavioral health agency with multiple locations in Louisiana. I have also rendered intense trauma-focused therapy to children who have endured or witnessed different forms of trauma such as being sexually abused or witnessing domestic violence or a murder. I pride myself with meeting each client where they are in hopes of helping them to get to where they desire to be. I look forward to working with you to help you reach your individualized goals.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Ricardo Gillispie, PhD, LCSW I received my Bachelor’s Degree in 1973 in Social Science from Mississippi Valley State University. I was accepted in the first Masters of Social Work Program at the University of Southern Mississippi graduating in 1975. I was awarded the first Social Worker of the Year by the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in 1992. I was accepted in the first Ph.D. Program in Social Work at Jackson State University graduating in 2000, with the primary focus in Psychotherapeutic Social Work. Prior to retiring from Private Practice, I was part owner and CEO of Family Counseling Services, PLLC in Meridian, MS. This was a Private Behavioral Health Care Group Practice consisting of Psychiatrists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, PhD Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. While in Private Practice, I specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy, Cognitive/Affective Disorders, to include patients experiencing Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Disorder. After retirement, I accepted the offer to serve as a group therapist for Rush/Ochsner Intensive Outpatient Psychogeriatric Programs. These are IOP's throughout East Mississippi. In 2000, I accepted to be a consultant for Rush Psychogeriatric Intensive Outpatient Programs. In this role, I help develop the Behavioral Healthcare Program for geriatric patients with mental health, aging and emotional conditions. After developing these Programs, I provided training for social workers, psychiatrist and nurses. Afterward, I surveyed these Programs in accordance to CMS guidelines. In 1999 I accepted the consulting role with East Mississippi Correctional Facility, a private prison under the management of the GEO Group, Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. In that consulting role, I designed the first exclusive mental health program in corrections in the United States. February 2006, I accepted the full-time position as Deputy Warden of Mental Health Programs with East Mississippi Correctional Facility (EMCF), and maintained my private practice with Family Counseling Services, PLLC. From 1973 to 1985, I served as Assistant Director for Region Ten (Weems) Mental Health Center covering a catchment area of nine counties in East Central Mississippi. In that role, I wrote the Initial Operation Grant for Weems Mental Health Center and other grants. 1986, I served as Clinical Director and an investor of Laurel Wood Psychiatric Hospital in Meridian, MS. I served fifteen years on the Meridian School Board of Trustees, serving two terms as President. I was elected as Region Ten National Association of Social Work Representative for the Nomination and Leadership Committee, representing Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee. 1994, I was appointed to the first Mississippi Social Workers Licensure Board serving one term as chairman. I served as an Auditor of Correctional Facilities in the United States for the American Correctional Association (ACA). Also, I was a Psychiatric Social Worker Surveyor consultant for the Center of Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS), in which I surveyed public and private psychiatric hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid compliance in the United States. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, and Certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers. 2006, I was inducted in the Hall of Fame at Meridian Community College. I have served as a part-time instructor for Mississippi State University School of Social Working – Meridian Branch, Meridian Community College and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work. I have provided the following professional presentations: • 2015 Techniques in the Provision of Group Psychotherapy - Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • 2017 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • Guest speaker for the 2010 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. Topic: Efficacy of Mental Health Services in Corrections • Presenter at 2011 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill, Topic: Long Term Segregated Offender Mental Health Program. • Social Work Standards of Practice in Psychiatric Hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Seattle, WA • Assessment Interviewing Training for the Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services- Jackson, MS • Stress Management Workshops for Industries, Hospitals and other professional organizations. • Interviewing Skills Training for the Department of Public Welfare; sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi Continuing Education Department - Gulfport, MS • Assessment Interviewing/Assessment Training for the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Choctaw Reservation - Philadelphia, MS • Developing of Treatment Plans for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Baltimore, MD • Guest Speaker for the Institute of Rural Mental Health; Topic: Barriers for African Americans in Obtaining Mental Health Services In the Rural South • Operational Development of the Psychosocial Assessments – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Kansas City, MO I have authored the following publications: Book: How to Prevent the Collision of the Two Worlds we Live, Publisher - Mulberry Book, LLC, 2020. Hospitalized Africa American Men with Mental Illness: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills, Volume 6, Number 3, winter 2002. Hospitalized African American Mental Health Consumers: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Volume 75, Number 2, pp. 254-261, 2005. I have been married to Catherine Nelson Gillispie since 1973. We have a daughter Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell who is a physician of OBGY at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans and son, Rashad Gillispie a graduate of MVSU with a degree in computer science. My wife and I attend North Park church in Meridian, MS a multiracial and cultural congregation. Licensed and Certifications: • Mississippi Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Marriage and Family Counselor - #COO82 • Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) - #881216796 • Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) - #006164

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience serving clients across Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and personal challenges. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and men's mental health issues with compassionate, targeted support. I bring extensive expertise in helping clients navigate workplace stress, family conflicts, addiction recovery, and personal growth. My approach centers on empowering individuals to develop self-understanding, build resilience, and create meaningful life strategies. Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges, career transitions, or personal healing, I'm committed to providing thoughtful, personalized guidance that respects your unique journey. My therapeutic work draws from evidence-based practices designed to help you develop practical coping skills, enhance emotional well-being, and move toward your personal and professional goals. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your experiences and strengths.

I am a licensed certified social worker in Mississippi with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My therapeutic approach is competent, caring and nonjudgmental. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a licensed professional therapist in the state of Mississippi with 13years experience in mental health. I have 13years of work experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! My goal is to help reach your goal and i take pride in doing so. I thank you for selecting me to help meet your needs as we both start this journey together. Enclosed you will find my schedule. I offer only certain days of service. Please let me know how i can be of assistance with anything to help improve your therapy needs.

I am a licensed therapist with 15 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Perhaps the reason you are reading this right now is because you feel like your life is out of control, unmanageable, or just plain "stuck?" Maybe you feel like you are in a nightmare every day and you just cannot seem to wake up? Your marriage, your relationships, your work, your finances, your home, your children, your everything feels like it is all crumbling to pieces and possibly you are even losing yourself in the process! No matter how hard you try, you feel hopeless and helpless, and like you cannot get a grip on it all. Please know that you are not alone in this struggle. A crisis is anything that comes up in your life that you do not have a support network great enough to overcome. Seeking help outside of yourself is the first step toward gaining a different perspective that will give you what you need to regain your footing and get your life back on the right path. This path of "bold, relentless, love" is a journey of discerning and discovering what is best for both you and others and then doing that thing with ZERO expectations. I would be honored if you would choose me to be a part of your support network to overcome your crisis through learning how to love both you and others well. I am licensed in Alabama and Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have empowering, evidence-based principles that I have used for years to help clients with stress and anxiety, marital problems, addictions, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to love yourself and others boldly and to take the first steps towards discovering what it means to go "all-in" on life. Please reach out asap so that I can support & empower you in that journey so that your crises will fade away as you learn to navigate the river of life.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 7 years of professional work experience as a mental health clinician. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. One of the biggest things I'm passionate about is lifestyle changes to improve overall health and wellness. I worked in healthy behavior therapy for close to 5 years and experienced the power when a person decides to make a change to improve their health. Simply put, change is powerful! I enjoy finding the story when working with clients and I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process as best possible.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in grief, bereavement, and life transitions for young adults and adults. With five years of experience in hospice care and five years working with college students, I bring a compassionate, supportive, and client-centered approach to helping individuals navigate loss, change, and personal growth. My work is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can process their experiences and find pathways toward healing and resilience.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.